Pontefract 2s Beat Sandal 2s

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nds v Sandal RUFC 2nds. Game played Saturday 14.04.18. at Moor Lane, kick off 3.0pm. A much awaited home league game against local rivals Sandal produced some thrilling, competitive and no quarter given rugby. Pontefract went into attack mode from the off, fly half Andy Dean putting in some deft cross kicks catching Sandal in two minds and the home side pack drove on with number 8 Matthew Williams going over for the try, Andy Dean kicking the goal. 7-0. Sandal were stung into action and made the most of a spell of home side errors. Snatching two opportunities to score tries and then take the lead. 7-10. An aggressive Sandal looked to seize the initiative but Pontefract were as competitive at the breakdowns of play, Chris Reavely and the Mathews brothers putting themselves in the fray. Pontefract were more effective with the ball carries, Gareth Dias, Andy Smith, Dave Webb and Danny Gilbert breaking the tackles and getting over the gain line. Excellent support play from Stuart Dedicoat ( playing at scrum half ) who scored the home sides second try. Andy Dean kicking the goal. 14-10. Pontefract back in the game continued to use the ball and grapple in the tight, Matt Williams having one of his best games, a continuing thorn in the visitors side throughout. Full back Liam Wiggins took the ball downfield and pulled the cover wide to off load to winger James Jenkins who was half tackled, managing to stay on his feet to evade the final tackle and score a key try, Andy Dean kicking the goal. Half time score 21-10. A relentless Sandal started the second half strongly, a wayward clearance kick allowed them to set up an attack, a missed first up tackle compounded the errors and the visitors stretched the remaining defence to score the try which was converted 21-17. Both sides upped their effort as the game was in the balance, but a loose pass from the visitors was intercepted by flying winger James Jenkins who raced away down the flanks to score the try which again Andy Dean converted. 28-17. A crunching tackle from Daz Smith and Matt Steadman caused a spill and the ever alert Blackmore hacked on the ball to a position over the try line and score the try which Andy Dean converted 35-17. The hot spring day started to take its toll on the players as the game went into the final phases. Pontefract found that bit of extra stamina and launched an attack, Matt Steadman wrong footing the defenders and taking the ball under the posts to score the try. Andy Dean kicking the goal. Sandal kept at it and went for the last score of the game but the ball went loose in the tackle and Andy Dean kicked the ball out of play. Final score 42-17. A tough game with important tries coming from broken play. An excellent home team effort against a capable and relentless Sandal. Andy Dean at fly half having one of his best games in a Pontefract shirt. His control of the game and excellent goal kicking keeping the home side score in front. Matt Williams, Matt Steadman, the Mathews brothers and two try scorer James Jenkins all in the mix. Stu Dedicoat playing at scrum half an eye opener. Pontefract 2nds are away to Dinnington 2nds Saturday 21.04.18